Freshening compositions comprising malodor binding polymers and malodor control components

ABSTRACT

Freshening compositions comprising a malodor binding polymer, malodor control components, and an aqueous carrier; and methods thereof are provided. In some embodiments, the freshening composition comprises a homopolymeric polyethylenimine having a molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 2,000,000 and a mixture of volatile aldehydes. Such freshening compositions may be used to reduce malodor and/or microbes on inanimate surfaces or in the air.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/287,348, filed, Dec. 17, 2009 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/287,369, filed Dec. 17, 2009 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/287,383, filed Dec. 17, 2009 and U.S. application Ser. No. 12/562,534, filed Sep. 18, 2009 and U.S. application Ser. No. 12/562,553 filed Sep. 18, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to freshening compositions comprising a malodor binding polymer, malodor control components, and an aqueous carrier; and methods thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Freshening products for reducing or masking malodors on fabrics and in air are currently available and are described in the patent literature. The Procter & Gamble Company sells fabric and air freshening products under the FEBREZE® brand name. These products typically contain perfume, solubilizer, cyclodextrin, and an aqueous carrier. S.C. Johnson sells products such as Glade® Fabric and Air Odor Eliminator and Oust® Surface Disinfectant and Air Sanitizer. Reckitt-Benckiser sells products such as Lysol® Disinfectant Spray.

Certain freshening compositions do not effectively neutralize a broad range of malodors on fabrics and in the air. Further, the time required for a composition to noticeably combat malodors may create consumer doubt as to a product's efficacy on malodors. For example, the consumer may leave the treated space before the product begins to noticeably reduce the malodor.

There remains a need for improved freshening compositions that neutralize a broad range of malodors, including amine-base and sulfur-based malodors and malodors caused by microbes, while not overpowering malodors with overwhelming perfume.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a freshening composition for reducing malodor. In one embodiment, the freshening composition for reducing malodor comprises an effective amount of a malodor binding polymer; a malodor control component; an aqueous carrier. In another embodiment, the freshening composition comprises a homopolymeric polyethyleneimine having a molecular weight of 1,000 to 2,000,000; at least one aliphatic aldehyde; a glycol; a dicarboxylic acid to provide a pH of about 3 to about 8; about 90% to about 99.5% of an aqueous carrier; wherein said composition is essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric.

The present invention also relates to methods of reducing malodor comprising the steps of: providing a freshening composition comprising an effective amount of a malodor binding polymer, a malodor counteractant comprising at least one aliphatic aldehyde, an aqueous carrier, wherein said composition is essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric; and dispersing an effective amount of said freshening composition on an inanimate surface or in the air.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bar graph showing the reduction of aldehydic malodors evaporating off fabrics treated with freshening compositions according to the present invention containing a malodor binding polymer in comparison to a freshening composition lacking such malodor binding polymer.

FIG. 2 is a bar graph showing microbe reduction with a freshening composition according to the present invention containing a malodor binding polymer in comparison to a freshening composition lacking such malodor binding polymer.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the performance of one embodiment of a malodor control component, in accordance with the present invention, on a sulfur-based malodor.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the performance of one embodiment of a malodor control component, in accordance with the present invention, on an amine-based malodor.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing butanethiol reduction by thiophene carboxaldehyde in combination with various acid catalysts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The freshening composition of the present invention is designed to deliver genuine malodor reduction and not function merely by using perfume to cover up or mask odors. The freshening composition reduces malodor in the air or on inanimate surfaces, for example, fabrics that are contaminated with environmental odors such as food and tobacco odors, or wetted with perspiration. The freshening composition may also reduce microbes on inanimate surfaces or in air. The freshening composition may also act as a barrier to prevent malodors from adhering to or penetrating an inanimate surface.

A genuine malodor reduction provides a sensory and analytically measurable (e.g. gas chromatograph) malodor reduction. Thus, if the freshening composition delivers a genuine malodor reduction, the freshening composition will neutralize malodors in the air and/or on fabrics. “Neutralize” or “neutralization” as used herein means chemically reacting with malodor components (e.g. the reaction of primary amines with aldehydes to form imines, reductive alkylation of amines, protonation and deprotonation of amines, polymerization or de-polymerization); or suppressing the volatility of malodorous components such that other parts of the composition may react (e.g. acid-base neutralization); or physically entrapping odorous molecules such that they are not re-released into the air (e.g. cyclodextrin inclusion complexes as described herein). Odor neutralization may be distinguished from odor masking or odor blocking by a change in the malodorous compound, as opposed to a change in the ability to perceive the malodor without any corresponding change in the condition of the malodorous compound.

I. Freshening Composition

The freshening composition for reducing malodor comprises a malodor binding polymer, a malodor counteractant comprising at least one aliphatic aldehyde, and an aqueous carrier, wherein said composition is essentially free of materials that soil or stain fabric. The total amount of surfactants (e.g. solubilizer, wetting agent) in the freshening composition is from 0% to 3% or no more than 3%, alternatively from 0% to 1% or no more than 1%, alternatively from 0% to 0.9% or no more than 0.9%, alternatively from 0% to 0.7 or no more than 0.7%, alternatively from 0% to 0.5% or no more than 0.5%, alternatively from 0% to 0.3% or no more than 0.3%, by weight of the composition. Compositions with higher concentrations can make fabrics susceptible to soiling and/or leave unacceptable visible stains on fabrics as the solution evaporates.

A. Malodor Binding Polymer

The freshening composition of the present invention includes a malodor binding polymer. A malodor binding polymer is polymer having an available functional group (e.g. amine) that has the affinity to neutralize malodor components. Monomers having an available function group with an affinity to neutralize malodor components are also contemplated. In the case of amine based compounds, the amine will have an affinity for aldehyde malodors. The amine may react with aldehyde malodors and form a new compound, such as an aminol, imine, or enamine which is not odorous.

A malodor binding polymer may include amine based compounds, such as monoamines, amino acids, polyethyleneimine polymers (PEIs), modified PEIs, substituted PEIs; acrylic acid polymers, such as polyacrylate co-polymer (e.g. Acumer™ 9000 from Rohm & Haas), polyacrylic acid polymers (e.g. Acusol™ from Rohm & Haas), and modified acrylate copolymers (e.g. Aculyn™ from Rohm & Haas); and modified methacrylate copolymers (e.g. HydroSal™ from Salvona Technologies); or mixtures thereof.

1. Amine Based Compounds

In some embodiments, the malodor binding polymer is an amine based compound with a molecular weight greater than 100 Daltons and at least 10% of its amine groups are primary amines. In one embodiment, the amine-based compound will be a polyamine with a molecular weight greater than 150 Daltons and 15% to 80% of its amine groups are primary amines. In another embodiment, the malodor binding polymer is an amine-based compound with a molecular weight greater than 1000 Daltons and from 0% to about 10% or less than 10% of its amine groups are primary amines.

A general structure for a primary amine compound useful in this invention is as follows:

B—(NH₂)_(n);

wherein B is a carrier material, and n is an index of value of at least 1. Suitable B carriers include both inorganic and organic carrier moieties. By “inorganic carrier”, it is meant a carrier which is comprised of non- or substantially non-carbon based backbones.

Compounds containing a secondary amine group have a structure similar to the above with the exception that the compound comprises one or more —NH— groups as well as —NH₂ groups. The amine compounds of this general type may be relatively viscous materials.

Exemplary amine based compounds are those selected from monoamines, aminoaryl derivatives, polyamines and derivatives thereof, polyamino acids and copolymers thereof, glucamines, dendrimers, PEIs, substituted amines and amides monoamines, or mixtures thereof.

a. Monoamines

Monoamines may be utilized in the present invention. Nonlimiting examples of suitable monoamines for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, primary amines that also contain hydroxy and/or alkoxy functional groups, such as the 2-hydroxyamines and/or 3-hydroxyamines; primary or secondary amines that also contain a functional group that enhances deposition of the monoamine compared to monoamines that lack that functional group, especially when the monoamine is interacting with the benefit agent. Primary monoamines may also be used herein in combination with secondary monoamines. However, sufficient levels of the primary monoamine must be used to provide at least 10% of the total amine groups within such combinations as primary amine groups.

b. Aminoaryl Derivatives

Exemplary aminoaryl derivatives are the amino-benzene derivatives including the alkyl esters of 4-amino benzoate compounds, ethyl-4-amino benzoate, phenylethyl-4-aminobenzoate, phenyl-4-aminobenzoate, 4-amino-N′-(3-aminopropyl)-benzamide, or mixtures thereof.

c. Polyamines

Examples of suitable amino functional polymers containing at least one primary amine group for the purposes of the present invention are:

Polyvinylamine with a MW of 300-2.10E6 Daltons (e.g Lupamine series 1500, 4500, 5000, 9000 available from BASF);

Polyvinylamine alkoxylated with a MW of ≧600 Daltons and a degree of ethoxylation of at least 0.5;

Polyvinylamine vinylalcohol—molar ratio 2:1, polyvinylaminevinylformamide—molar ratio 1:2 and polyvinylamine vinylformamide-molar ratio 2:1;

Triethylenetetramine, diethylenetriamine, tetraethylenepentamine;

Bis-aminopropylpiperazine;

amino substituted polyvinylalcohol with a MW ranging from 400-300,000 Daltons;

polyoxyethylene bis[amine] available from e.g. Sigma;

polyoxyethylene bis[6-aminohexyl] available from e.g. Sigma;

N,N′-bis-(3-aminopropyl)-1,3-propanediamine linear or branched (TPTA);

N,N′-bis-(3-aminopropyl)ethylenediamine;

bis(amino alkyl)alkyl diamine, linear or branched; and

1,4-bis-(3-aminopropyl)piperazine (BNPP).

d. Polyamino Acids

Suitable amine based compounds include polyamino acids. Polyamino acids are made up of amino acids or chemically modified amino acids. The amino acids may be selected from cysteine, histidine, isoleucine, tyrosine, tryptophane, leucine, lysine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, alanine, aspartic acid, arginine, asparagine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, histidine, threonine, methionine, valine, and mixtures thereof. Amino acid derivatives may be tyrosine ethylate, glycine methylate, tryptophane ethylate, or mixtures thereof; homopolymers of amino acids; hydroxyamines; polyamino acids; or mixtures thereof.

In chemically modified amino acids, the amine or acidic function of the amino acid has reacted with a chemical reagent. This is often done to protect these chemical amine and acid functions of the amino acid in a subsequent reaction or to give special properties to the amino acids, like improved solubility. Examples of such chemical modifications are benzyloxycarbonyl, aminobutyric acid, butyl ester, and pyroglutamic acid. More examples of common modifications of amino acids and small amino acid fragments can be found in the Bachem, 1996, Peptides and Biochemicals Catalog.

One polyamino acid is polylysine, alternatively polylysines or polyamino acids where more than 50% of the amino acids are lysine, since the primary amine function in the side chain of the lysine is the most reactive amine of all amino acids. One polyamino acid has a molecular weight of 500 to 10,000,000, alternatively between 2000 and 25,000.

The polyamino acid can be cross linked. The cross linking can be obtained for example by condensation of the amine group in the side chain of the amino acid like lysine with the carboxyl function on the amino acid or with protein cross linkers like PEG derivatives. The cross linked polyamino acids still need to have free primary and/or secondary amino groups left for neutralization. Cross linked polyamino acid has a molecular weight of 20,000 to 10,000,000; alternatively between 200,000 and 2,000,000.

The polyamino acid or the amino acid can be co-polymerized with other reagents like for instance with acids, amides, acyl chlorides, aminocaproic acid, adipic acid, ethylhexanoic acid, caprolactam, or mixtures thereof. The molar ratio used in these copolymers ranges from 1:1 (reagent/amino acid (lysine)) to 1:20, alternatively from 1:1 to 1:10. The polyamino acid like polylysine can be unethoxylated or partially ethoxylated so long as the requisite amount of primary amine remains in the polymer.

e. Dendrimers

Also useful amine based compounds are polypropylenimine dendrimers and the commercially available Starburst® polyamidoamines (PAMAM) dendrimers, generation G0-G10 from Dendritech and the dendrimers Astromols®, generation 1-5 from DSM being DiAminoButane PolyAmine DAB (PA)x dendrimers with x=2^(n)×4 and n being generally comprised between 0 and 4.

f. PEIs

In one embodiment, the malodor binding polymer is a PEI. It has been surprisingly discovered that amine based polymers at a pH of about 4 to about 8, alternatively above 5 to about 8, alternatively 7 can neutralize amine based odors. PEIs have the following general formula:

—(CH2-CH2-NH)n-; n=10-105

Homopolymeric PEIs are branched, spherical polyamines with a well defined ratio of primary, secondary and tertiary amine functions. They are best described in the following partial structural formula:

The chemical structure of homopolymeric PEIs follows a simple principle: one amine function-two carbons.

The freshening composition may comprise a homopolymeric polyethylenimine having a molecular weight of about 800 to about 2,000,000, alternatively about 1,000 to about 2,000,000, alternatively about 1,200 to about 25,000, alternatively about 1,300 to about 25,000, alternatively about 2,000 to about 25,000, alternatively about 10,000 to about 2,000,000, alternatively about 25,000 to about 2,000,000, alternatively about 25,000. Exemplary homopolymeric PEIs include those that are commercially available under the tradename Lupasol® from BASF. Lupasol products are usually obtained through polymerization of the ethylenimine monomer. The ethylenimine monomer has totally reacted in the polymer matrix. Suitable Lupasol products include Lupasol FG (MW 800), G20 wfv (MW 1300), PR8515 (MW 2000), WF (MW 25,000), FC (MW 800), G20 (MW 1300), G35 (MW 1200), G100 (MW 2000), HF (MW 25,000), P (MW 750,000), PS (MW 750,000), SK (MW 2,000,000), SNA (MW 1,000,000).

In some embodiments, the freshening composition comprises Lupasol HF or WF (MW 25,000), P (MW 750,000), PS (MW 750,000), SK (MW 2,000,000), 620 wfv (MW 1300) or PR 1815 (MW 2000), or Epomin SP-103, Epomin SP-110, Epomin SP-003, Epomin SP-006, Epomin SP-012, Epomin SP-018, Epomin SP-200, or partially alkoxylated polyethyleneimine, like polyethyleneimine 80% ethoxylated from Aldrich. In one embodiment, the freshening composition contains Lupasol WF (MW 25,000).

Also suitable amine based compounds for use in the freshening composition are modified PEIs, partially alkylated polyethylene polymers, PEIs with hydroxyl groups, 1,5-pentanediamine, 1,6-hexanediamine, 1,3 pentanediamine, 3-dimethylpropanediamine, 1,2-cyclohexanediamine, 1,3-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane, tripropylenetetraamine, bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine, dipropylenetriamine, tris(2-aminoethylamine), tetraethylenepentamine, bishexamethylenetriamine, bis(3-aminopropyl) 1,6-hexamethylenediamine, 3,3′-diamino-N-methyldipropylamine, 2-methyl-1,5-pentanediamine, N,N,N′,N′-tetra(2-aminoethyl)ethylenediamine, N,N,N′,N′-tetra(3-aminopropyl)-1,4-butanediamine, pentaethylhexamine, 1,3-diamino-2-propyl-tert-butylether, isophorondiamine, 4,4′-diaminodicyclohylmethane, N-methyl-N-(3-aminopropyl)ethanolamine, spermine, spermidine, 1-piperazineethaneamine, 2-(bis(2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, ethoxylated N-(tallowalkyl)trimethylene diamines, poly[oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)], α-(2-aminomethyl-ethoxy)-(=C.A.S No. 9046-10-0); poly[oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)], α-hydro-)-ω-(2-aminomethylethoxy)-, ether with 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol (=C.A.S, No. 39423-51-3); commercially available under the tradename Jeffamines T-403, D-230, D-400, D-2000; 2,2′,2″-triaminotriethylamine; 2,2′-diamino-diethylamine; 3,3′-diamino-dipropylamine, 1,3 bis aminoethyl-cyclohexane commercially available from Mitsubishi, and the C12 Sternamines commercially available from Clariant like the C12 Sternamin(propylenamine)_(n) with n=3/4.

In one embodiment, the malodor binding polymer may be used in an effective amount to provide a reduction of microbes on fabric and/or in the air. When using a malodor binding polymer, an effective amount reduces microbes by at least 1 log difference as compared to a composition lacking the malodor binding polymer. This difference is then attributed to the use of the malodor binding polymer and not the inherent variability in the microbial species.

Suitable levels of malodor binding polymer are from about 0.01% to about 2%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 1%, alternatively about 0.01% to about 0.8%, alternatively about 0.01% to about 0.6%, alternatively about 0.01% to about 0.1%, alternatively about 0.01% to about 0.07%, alternatively about 0.07%, by weight of the freshening composition. Compositions with higher amount of malodor binding polymer may make fabrics susceptible to soiling and/or leave unacceptable visible stains on fabrics as the solution evaporates off of the fabric.

B. Malodor Control Components

The freshening composition may include malodor control components. The malodor control component includes a mixture of volatile aldehydes and is designed to deliver genuine malodor neutralization and not function merely by covering up or masking odors. A genuine malodor neutralization provides a sensory and analytically measurable (e.g. gas chromatograph) malodor reduction. Thus, if the malodor control component delivers a genuine malodor neutralization, the composition will reduce malodors in the vapor and/or liquid phase. When used in combination with the malodor binding polymer, the freshening composition may neutralize a broader range of malodor causing materials which, in turn, further reduces malodors in the air or on inanimate surfaces.

1. Volatile Aldehydes

The malodor control component includes a mixture of volatile aldehydes that neutralize malodors in vapor and/or liquid phase via chemical reactions. Aldehydes that are partially volatile may be considered a volatile aldehyde as used herein. Volatile aldehydes may react with amine-based odors, following the path of Schiff-base formation. Volatiles aldehydes may also react with sulfur-based odors, forming thiol acetals, hemi thiolacetals, and thiol esters in vapor and/or liquid phase. It may be desirable for these vapor and/or liquid phase volatile aldehydes to have virtually no negative impact on the desired perfume character of a product.

Suitable volatile aldehydes may have a vapor pressure (VP) in the range of about 0.0001 torr to 100 torr, alternatively about 0.0001 torr to about 10 torr, alternatively about 0.001 torr to about 50 torr, alternatively about 0.001 torr to about 20 torr, alternatively about 0.001 torr to about 0.100 torr, alternatively about 0.001 torr to 0.06 torr, alternatively about 0.001 torr to 0.03 torr, alternatively about 0.005 torr to about 20 torr, alternatively about 0.01 torr to about 20 torr, alternatively about 0.01 torr to about 15 torr, alternatively about 0.01 torr to about 10 torr, alternatively about 0.05 torr to about 10 torr, measured at 25° C.

The volatile aldehydes may also have a certain boiling point (B.P.) and octanol/water partition coefficient (P). The boiling point referred to herein is measured under normal standard pressure of 760 mmHg. The boiling points of many volatile aldehydes, at standard 760 mm Hg are given in, for example, “Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals),” written and published by Steffen Arctander, 1969.

The octanol/water partition coefficient of a volatile aldehyde is the ratio between its equilibrium concentrations in octanol and in water. The partition coefficients of the volatile aldehydes used in the malodor control component may be more conveniently given in the form of their logarithm to the base 10, logP. The logP values of many volatile aldehydes have been reported. See, e.g., the Pomona92 database, available from Daylight Chemical Information Systems, Inc. (Daylight CIS), Irvine, Calif. However, the logP values are most conveniently calculated by the “CLOGP” program, also available from Daylight CIS. This program also lists experimental logP values when they are available in the Pomona92 database. The “calculated logP” (ClogP) is determined by the fragment approach of Hansch and Leo (cf., A. Leo, in Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry, Vol. 4, C. Hansch, P. G. Sammens, J. B. Taylor and C. A. Ramsden, Eds., p. 295, Pergamon Press, 1990). The fragment approach is based on the chemical structure of each volatile aldehyde, and takes into account the numbers and types of atoms, the atom connectivity, and chemical bonding. The ClogP values, which are the most reliable and widely used estimates for this physicochemical property, are preferably used instead of the experimental logP values in the selection of volatile aldehydes for the malodor control component.

The ClogP values may be defined by four groups and the volatile aldehydes may be selected from one or more of these groups. The first group comprises volatile aldehydes that have a B.P. of about 250° C. or less and ClogP of about 3 or less. The second group comprises volatile aldehydes that have a B.P. of 250° C. or less and ClogP of 3.0 or more. The third group comprises volatile aldehydes that have a B.P. of 250° C. or more and ClogP of 3.0 or less. The fourth group comprises volatile aldehydes that have a B.P. of 250° C. or more and ClogP of 3.0 or more. The malodor control component may comprise any combination of volatile aldehydes from one or more of the ClogP groups.

In some embodiments, the malodor control component of the present invention may comprise, by total weight of the malodor control component, from about 0% to about 30% of volatile aldehydes from group 1, alternatively about 25%; and/or about 0% to about 10% of volatile aldehydes from group 2, alternatively about 10%; and/or from about 10% to about 30% of volatile aldehydes from group 3, alternatively about 30%; and/or from about 35% to about 60% of volatile aldehydes from group 4, alternatively about 35%.

Exemplary volatile aldehydes which may be used in a malodor control component include, but are not limited to, Adoxal (2,6,10-Trimethyl-9-undecenal), Bourgeonal (4-t-butylbenzenepropionaldehyde), Lilestralis 33 (2-methyl-4-t-butylphenyl)propanal), Cinnamic aldehyde, cinnamaldehyde (phenyl propenal, 3-phenyl-2-propenal), Citral, Geranial, Neral (dimethyloctadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-al), Cyclal C (2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-carbaldehyde), Florhydral (3-(3-Isopropyl-phenyl)-butyraldehyde), Citronellal (3,7-dimethyl 6-octenal), Cymal, cyclamen aldehyde, Cyclosal, Lime aldehyde (Alpha-methyl-p-isopropyl phenyl propyl aldehyde), Methyl Nonyl Acetaldehyde, aldehyde C12 MNA (2-methyl-1-undecanal), Hydroxycitronellal, citronellal hydrate (7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl octan-1-al), Helional (alpha-methyl-3,4-(methylenedioxy)-hydrocinnamaldehyde, hydrocinnamaldehyde (3-phenylpropanal, 3-phenylpropionaldehyde), Intreleven aldehyde (undec-10-en-1-al), Ligustral, Trivertal (2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde), Jasmorange, satinaldehyde (2-methyl-3-tolylproionaldehyde, 4-dimethylbenzenepropanal), Lyral (4-(4-hydroxy-4-methyl pentyl)-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde), Melonal (2,6-Dimethyl-5-Heptenal), Methoxy Melonal (6-methoxy-2,6-dimethylheptanal), methoxycinnamaldehyde (trans-4-methoxycinnamaldehyde), Myrac aldehyde isohexenyl cyclohexenyl-carboxaldehyde, trifernal ((3-methyl-4-phenyl propanal, 3-phenyl butanal), lilial, P.T. Bucinal, lysmeral, benzenepropanal (4-tert-butyl-alpha-methyl-hydrocinnamaldehyde), Dupical, tricyclodecylidenebutanal (4-Tricyclo5210-2,6decylidene-8butanal), Melafleur (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-8,8-dimethyl-2-naphthaldehyde), Methyl Octyl Acetaldehyde, aldehyde C-11 MOA (2-methyl deca-1-al), Onicidal (2,6,10-trimethyl-5,9-undecadien-1-al), Citronellyl oxyacetaldehyde, Muguet aldehyde 50 (3,7-dimethyl-6-octenyl)oxyacetaldehyde), phenylacetaldehyde, Mefranal (3-methyl-5-phenyl pentanal), Triplal, Vertocitral dimethyl tetrahydrobenzene aldehyde (2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde), 2-phenylproprionaldehyde, Hydrotropaldehyde, Canthoxal, anisylpropanal 4-methoxy-alpha-methyl benzenepropanal (2-anisylidene propanal), Cylcemone A (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-8,8-dimethyl-2-naphthaldehyde), and Precylcemone B (1-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde).

Still other exemplary aldehydes include, but are not limited to, acetaldehyde (ethanal), pentanal, valeraldehyde, amylaldehyde, Scentenal (octahydro-5-methoxy-4,7-Methano-1H-indene-2-carboxaldehyde), propionaldehyde (propanal), Cyclocitral, beta-cyclocitral, (2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-acetaldehyde), Iso Cyclocitral (2,4,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde), isobutyraldehyde, butyraldehyde, isovaleraldehyde (3-methyl butyraldehyde), methylbutyraldehyde (2-methyl butyraldehyde, 2-methyl butanal), Dihydrocitronellal (3,7-dimethyl octan-1-al), 2-Ethylbutyraldehyde, 3-Methyl-2-butenal, 2-Methylpentanal, 2-Methyl Valeraldehyde, Hexenal (2-hexenal, trans-2-hexenal), Heptanal, Octanal, Nonanal, Decanal, Lauric aldehyde, Tridecanal, 2-Dodecanal, Methylthiobutanal, Glutaraldehyde, Pentanedial, Glutaric aldehyde, Heptenal, cis or trans-Heptenal, Undecenal (2-, 10-), 2,4-octadienal, Nonenal (2-, 6-), Decenal (2-, 4-), 2,4-hexadienal, 2,4-Decadienal, 2,6-Nonadienal, Octenal, 2,6-dimethyl 5-heptenal, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal, Trifemal, beta methyl Benzenepropanal, 2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-acetaldehyde, phenyl Butenal (2-phenyl 2-butenal), 2.Methyl-3(p-isopropylphenyl)-propionaldehyde, 3-(p-isopropylphenyl)-propionaldehyde, p-Tolylacetaldehyde (4-methylphenylacetaldehyde), Anisaldehyde (p-methoxybenzene aldehyde), Benzaldehyde, Vernaldehyde (1-Methyl-4-(4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexenecarbaldehyde), Heliotropin (piperonal) 3,4-Methylene dioxy benzaldehyde, alpha-Amylcinnamic aldehyde, 2-pentyl-3-phenylpropenoic aldehyde, Vanillin (4-methoxy 3-hydroxy benzaldehyde), Ethyl vanillin (3-ethoxy 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde), Hexyl Cinnamic aldehyde, Jasmonal H (alpha-n-hexyl-cinnamaldehyde), Floralozone, (para-ethyl-alpha,alpha-dimethyl Hydrocinnamaldehyde), Acalea (p-methyl-alpha-pentylcinnamaldehyde), methylcinnamaldehyde, alpha-Methylcinnamaldehyde (2-methyl 3-pheny propenal), alpha-hexylcinnamaldehyde (2-hexyl 3-phenyl propenal), Salicylaldehyde (2-hydroxy benzaldehyde), 4-ethyl benzaldehyde, Cuminaldehyde (4-isopropyl benzaldehyde), Ethoxybenzaldehyde, 2,4-dimethylbenzaldehyde, Veratraldehyde (3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde), Syringaldehyde (3,5-dimethoxy 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde), Catechaldehyde (3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde), Safranal (2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-diene methanal), Myrtenal (pin-2-ene-1-carbaldehyde), Perillaldehyde L-4(1-methylethenyl)-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde), 2,4-Dimethyl-3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, 2-Methyl-2-pentenal, 2-methylpentenal, pyruvaldehyde, formyl Tricyclodecan, Mandarin aldehyde, Cyclemax, Pino acetaldehyde, Corps Iris, Maceal, and Corps 4322.

In one embodiment, the malodor control component includes a mixture of two or more volatile aldehydes selected from the group consisting of 2-ethoxy Benzylaldehyde, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal, 5-methyl Furfural, 5-methyl-thiophene-carboxaldehyde, Adoxal, p-anisaldehyde, Benzylaldehyde, Bourgenal, Cinnamic aldehyde, Cymal, Decyl aldehyde, Floral super, Florhydral, Helional, Lauric aldehyde, Ligustral, Lyral, Melonal, o-anisaldehyde, Pino acetaldehyde, P.T. Bucinal, Thiophene carboxaldehyde, trans-4-Decenal, trans trans 2,4-Nonadienal, Undecyl aldehyde, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the malodor control component includes fast reacting volatile aldehydes. “Fast reacting volatile aldehydes” refers to volatile aldehydes that either (1) reduce amine odors by 20% or more in less than 40 seconds; or (2) reduce thiol odors by 20% or more in less than 30 minutes.

In one embodiment, the malodor control component includes a mixture of the volatile aldehydes listed in Table 1 and referred to herein as Accord A.

TABLE 1 ClogP VP (torr) Material Wt. % CAS Number Group @25° C. Intreleven Aldehyde 5.000 112-45-8 3 0.060 Florhydral 10.000 125109-85-5 4 0.008 Floral Super 25.000 71077-31-1 3 0.030 Scentenal 10.000 86803-90-9 2 0.010 Cymal 25.000 103-95-7 4 0.007 o-anisaldehyde 25.000 135-02-4 1 0.032

In another embodiment, the malodor control component includes a mixture of the volatile aldehydes listed in Table 2 and referred to herein as Accord B.

TABLE 2 ClogP VP (torr) Material Wt. % CAS Number Group @25° C. Intreleven Aldehyde 2.000 112-45-8 3 0.060 Florhydral 20.000 125109-85-5 4 0.008 Floral Super 10.000 71077-31-1 3 0.030 Scentenal 5.000 86803-90-9 2 0.010 Cymal 25.000 103-95-7 4 0.007 Floralozone 10.000 67634-14-4 4 0.005 Adoxal 1.000 141-13-9 4 0.007 Methyl Nonyl 1.000 110-41-8 3 0.030 Acetaldehyde Melonal 1.000 106-72-9 3 0.670 o-anisaldehyde 25.000 135-02-4 1 0.032

In another embodiment, the malodor control component includes a mixture of about 71.2% volatile aldehydes, the remainder being other an ester and an alcohol perfume raw material. This mixture is listed in Table 3 and referred to herein as Accord C.

TABLE 3 ClogP VP (torr) Material Wt. % CAS Number Group @25° C. Intreleven Aldehyde 2.000 112-45-8 3 0.060 Florhydral 10.000 125109-85-5 4 0.008 Floral Super 5.000 71077-31-1 3 0.030 Scentenal 2.000 86803-90-9 2 0.010 Cymal 15.000 103-95-7 4 0.007 Floralozone 12.000 67634-14-4 4 0.005 Adoxal 1.000 141-13-9 4 0.007 Methyl Nonyl 1.000 110-41-8 3 0.030 Acetaldehyde Melonal 1.000 106-72-9 3 0.670 Flor Acetate 11.800 5413-60-5 1 0.060 Frutene 7.000 17511-60-3 4 0.020 Helional 5.000 1205-17-0 2 0.0005 Bourgeonal 2.000 18127-01-0 4 0.004 Linalool 10.000 78-70-6 3 0.050 Benzaldehyde 0.200 100-52-7 1 1.110 o-anisaldehyde 15.000 135-02-4 1 0.320

Accords A, B, or C can be formulated in with other perfume raw materials in an amount, for example, of about 10% by weight of the malodor control component. Additionally, the individual volatile aldehydes or a various combination of the volatile aldehydes can be formulated into a malodor control component. In certain embodiments, the volatile aldehydes may be present in an amount up to 100%, by weight of the malodor control component, alternatively from 1% to about 100%, alternatively from about 2% to about 100%, alternatively from about 3% to about 100%, alternatively about 50% to about 100%, alternatively about 70% to about 100%, alternatively about 80% to about 100%, alternatively from about 1% to about 20%, alternatively from about 1% to about 10%, alternatively from about 2% to about 20%, alternatively from about 3% to about 20%, alternatively from about 4% to about 20%, alternatively from about 5% to about 20%.

In some embodiments where volatility is not important for neutralizing a malodor, the present invention may include poly-aldehydes, for example, di-, tri-, tetra-aldehydes. Such embodiments may include laundry detergents, additive, and the like for leave-on, through the wash, and rinse-off type of applications.

2. Aliphatic Aldehydes

In one embodiment, the freshening composition comprises a perfume mixture having one or more fabric-safe, non-yellowing aliphatic aldehydes. Certain types of aldehydes that predominately comprise a straight chain aliphatic backbone will not discolor fabrics, unlike products that utilize types of aldehydes that contain multiple double bonds and benzene rings. The following table illustrates the selection of aldehydes to avoid fabric yellowing.

Fadometer Test on treated Fabric (0.75 grams of product are pipetted onto a 4 inch × 4 inch (10 cm × 10 cm) swatch which is then subjected to 5 hours of exposure to simulated sunlight using a SUNTEST CPS+ model Fadometer supplied by Aldehyde Solution Tested Atlas, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Control- untreated fabric swatch No yellowing 1000 ppm amylic cinnamic aldehyde Yellowish brown (aromatic) 1000 ppm citronellal (aromatic) Yellowish brown 1000 ppm citral aldehyde (aliphatic) No yellowing 1000 ppm lauric aldehyde (aliphatic) No yellowing

Examples of suitable aliphatic aldehydes are R—COH where R is saturated C₇ to C₂₂ linear and/or branched with no more than two double bonds. Examples of suitable aliphatic aldehydes are bourgeonal, citral, citronellyl oxyacetaldehyde, cymal, decyl aldehyde, helional, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, lauric aldehyde, ligustral, lyral, melonal, methyl dihydro jasmonate, methyl nonyl acetaldehyde, methyl phenyl carbinyl acetate, nonyl aldehyde, octyl aldehyde, oxane, P. T. bucinal, polysantol, rhubafuran, tripal, or mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment, the freshening composition includes at least one aliphatic aldehyde selected from the group consisting of: bourgeonal, citral, citronellyl oxyacetaldehyde, cymal, decyl aldehyde, helional, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, lauric aldehyde, ligustral, lyral, melonal, methyl dihydro jasmonate, methyl nonyl acetaldehyde, methyl phenyl carbinyl acetate, nonyl aldehyde, 2,6-nonadien-1-al, octyl aldehyde, oxane, P.T. bucinal, polysantol, rhubafuran, tripal, and mixtures thereof.

In another embodiment, the freshening composition includes at least one aliphatic aldehyde selected from the group consisting of: burgeonal, cymal, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, methyl dihydro jasmonate, methyl nonyl acetaldehyde, P.T. bucinal, and mixtures thereof.

The aliphatic aldehydes may be present in an amount from about 0.001% to about 10%, alternatively from about 0.001% to about 5%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 1%, alternatively from about 0.02% to about 1%, alternatively from about 0.02% to about 0.5%, alternatively from about 0.02% to about 0.06%, alternatively about 0.06%, by weight of the freshening composition.

In addition to aliphatic aldehydes, the freshening composition may also include perfume materials for their scent experience including enones, ketones, ionones including ionone alpha, ionone beta, ionone gamma methyl, or mixtures thereof. Suitable perfume materials are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,137. The freshening composition may contain an effective amount of perfume to provide the freshening fragrance when first sprayed, some lingering fragrance, and some extra fragrance to be released upon fabric rewetting. It may be desirable for the aliphatic aldehydes to have virtually no negative impact on the desired perfume character.

Certain malodor counteractants may be odoriferous and negatively impact the overall character of the fragrance. In this case, a perfume/malodor counteractant premix is formed such that the perfume raw materials used are selected to neutralize any odor of the malodor counteractants. This odor neutralized premix can then be added to a parent perfume mixture without affecting the character of the parent fragrance. This permits the malodor counteractants to be used broadly with a large variety of fragrance types.

The following are non-limiting examples of perfume formulations that include fabric-safe malodor counteractants.

(1) Pine

Material Name Amount Rosemary 10.00 Spike Lavender 10.00 Lavandin Grosso 5.00 Spruce (conf.-manh) 5.00 Camphor Gum 5.00 Melonal 0.30 Eucalyptol 15.00 Iso Menthone 15.00 Iso Bornyl Acetate 21.70 Ionone Beta 8.00 Iso E Super 5.00 100.00

(2) Ozonic

Material Name Amount Xi Aldehyde 8.00 2′ 6 Nonadienol 10% In Dpg 5.00 Helional 13.00 Hydroxycitronellal 11.50 Calone 1951 0.50 2′ 6-Nonadien-1-al/10% In Dpg 5.00 Lyral 20.00 Melonal 1.00 Iso Menthone 10.00 Floralozone 10.00 Bourgeonal 10.00 Delta Muscenone 962191 1.00 Habanolide 100% 5.00 100.00

(3) Fruity

Material Name Amount Fruitate 5.00 Orange Terpenes 13.00 Ethyl Acetoacetate 3.00 2′ 6 Nonadienol 10% In Dpg 1.00 Ethyl Acetate 3.00 Benzaldehyde 2.00 Prenyl Acetate 8.00 Benzyl Acetate 15.00 2′ 6-Nonadien-1-al/10% In Dpg 1.00 Ethyl-2-methyl Butyrate 8.00 Amyl Acetate 3.00 Cis 3 Hexenyl Acetate 3.00 Methyl Dihydro Jasmonate 10.00 Ligustral 5.00 Melonal 1.00 Ethyl 2 Methyl Pentanoate 8.00 Hexyl Acetate 8.00 Habanolide 100% 3.00 100.00

(4) Citrus

Material Name Amount Orange Terpenes 20.00 Lemon Terpenes X5 Fold 20.00 Lime Oil Cf-8-1285-1 (conf.- 10.00 berje) Grapefruit Phase C-Ref. N*12245 20.00 Italian Orange Phase Oil 22.90 Delta Muscenone 962191 0.50 Oxane 0.30 Iso Menthone 1.00 Rhubafuran 0.30 Habanolide 100% 5.00 100.00

(5) Floral

Material Name Amount Spike Lavender 5.00 Rosemary 5.00 Helional 10.00 Hydroxycitronellal 10.00 Benzyl Acetate 9.30 Lyral 20.00 Ligustral 2.00 Melonal 0.20 Eucalyptol 2.00 Iso Menthone 8.00 Bourgeonal 20.00 Undecavertol 3.00 Delta Muscenone 962191 0.50 Habanolide 100% 5.00 100.00

In certain cases, fabrics that are laundered will have residual brighteners deposited from detergents with which they are washed. Therefore, it may be desirable for the aliphatic aldehydes to be compatible with brighteners so that the freshening composition will not discolor any fabrics with which it comes into contact. A number of the examples above are compatible with brighteners.

3. Low Molecular Weight Polyols

Low molecular weight polyols with relatively high boiling points, as compared to water, such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and/or glycerine may be utilized as a malodor counteractant for improving odor neutralization of the freshening composition of the present invention. Some polyols, e.g., dipropylene glycol, are also useful to facilitate the solubilization of some perfume ingredients in the composition of the present invention.

The glycol used in the freshening composition of the present invention may be glycerine, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol phenyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, ethylene glycole phenyl ether, diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol mono butyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, other glycol ethers, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the glycol used is ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the glycol used is diethylene glycol.

Typically, the low molecular weight polyol is added to the composition of the present invention at a level of from about 0.01% to about 5%, by weight of the composition, alternatively from about 0.05% to about 1%, alternatively from about 0.1% to about 0.5%, by weight of the composition. Compositions with higher concentrations may make fabrics susceptible to soiling and/or leave unacceptable visible stains on fabrics as the solution evaporates off of the fabric. The weight ratio of low molecular weight polyol to the malodor binding polymer is from about 500:1 to about 4:1, alternatively from about 1:100 to about 25:1, alternatively from about 1:50 to about 4:1, alternatively about 4:1.

4. Cyclodextrin

In some embodiments, the freshening composition may include solubilized, water-soluble, uncomplexed cyclodextrin. As used herein, the term “cyclodextrin” includes any of the known cyclodextrins such as unsubstituted cyclodextrins containing from six to twelve glucose units, especially, alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin and/or their derivatives and/or mixtures thereof. The alpha-cyclodextrin consists of six glucose units, the beta-cyclodextrin consists of seven glucose units, and the gamma-cyclodextrin consists of eight glucose units arranged in a donut-shaped ring. The specific coupling and conformation of the glucose units give the cyclodextrins a rigid, conical molecular structure with a hollow interior of a specific volume. The “lining” of the internal cavity is formed by hydrogen atoms and glycosidic bridging oxygen atoms, therefore this surface is fairly hydrophobic. The unique shape and physical-chemical property of the cavity enable the cyclodextrin molecules to absorb (form inclusion complexes with) organic molecules or parts of organic molecules which can fit into the cavity. Many perfume molecules can fit into the cavity.

Cyclodextrin molecules are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,137, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,217. Suitable levels of cyclodextrin are from about 0.1% to about 5%, alternatively from about 0.2% to about 4%, alternatively from about 0.3% to about 3%, alternatively from about 0.4% to about 2%, by weight of the freshening composition. Freshening compositions with higher concentrations can make fabrics susceptible to soiling and/or leave unacceptable visible stains on fabrics as the solution evaporates off of the fabric. The latter is especially a problem on thin, colored, synthetic fabrics. In order to avoid or minimize the occurrence of fabric staining, the fabric may be treated at a level of less than about 5 mg of cyclodextrin per mg of fabric, alternatively less than about 2 mg of cyclodextrin per mg of fabric.

5. Acid Catalyst

The malodor control component of the present invention may include an effective amount of an acid catalyst to neutralize sulfur-based malodors. It has been found that certain mild acids have an impact on aldehyde reactivity with thiols in the liquid and vapor phase. It has been found that the reaction between thiol and aldehyde is a catalytic reaction that follows the mechanism of hemiacetal and acetal formation path. When the present malodor control component contains an acid catalyst and contacts a sulfur-based malodor, the volatile aldehyde reacts with thiol. This reaction may form a thiol acetal compound, thus, neutralizing the sulfur-based odor. Without an acid catalyst, only hemi-thiol acetal is formed.

Suitable acid catalysts have a VP, as reported by Scifinder, in the range of about 0.001 torr to about 38 torr, measured at 25° C., alternatively about 0.001 torr to about 14 torr, alternatively from about 0.001 to about 1, alternatively from about 0.001 to about 0.020, alternatively about 0.005 to about 0.020, alternatively about 0.010 to about 0.020.

The acid catalyst may be a weak acid. A weak acid is characterized by an acid dissociation constant, K_(a), which is an equilibrium constant for the dissociation of a weak acid; the pKa being equal to minus the decimal logarithm of K_(a). The acid catalyst may have a pKa from about 4.0 to about 6.0, alternatively from about 4.3 and 5.7, alternatively from about 4.5 to about 5, alternatively from about 4.7 to about 4.9. Suitable acid catalyst include those listed in Table 4.

TABLE 4 VP (torr) @ Material 25° C. Formic Acid 36.5 Acetic Acid 13.9 Trimethyl Acetic Acid 0.907 Phenol (alkaline in liquid apps yet 0.610 acidic in vapor phase) Tiglic acid 0.152 Caprylic acid 0.0222 5-Methyl thiophene carboxylic acid 0.019 Succinic acid 0.0165 Benzoic acid 0.014 Mesitylenic acid 0.00211

Depending on the desired use of the malodor control component, one may consider the scent character or the affect on the scent of the malodor control component when selecting an acid catalyst. In some embodiments of the malodor control component, it may be desirable to select an acid catalyst that provides a neutral to pleasant scent. Such acid catalysts may have a VP of about 0.001 torr to about 0.020 torr, measured at 25° C., alternatively about 0.005 torr to about 0.020 torr, alternatively about 0.010 torr to about 0.020 torr. Non-limiting examples of such acid catalyst include 5-methyl thiophene carboxaldehyde with carboxylic acid impurity, succinic acid, or benzoic acid.

The malodor control component may include about 0.05% to about 5%, alternatively about 0.1% to about 1.0%, alternatively about 0.1% to about 0.5%, alternatively about 0.1% to about 0.4%, alternatively about 0.4% of an acid catalyst by weight of the malodor control component.

In an acetic acid system, the present malodor control component may include about 0.4% of acetic acid (50:50 TC:DPM, 0.4% acetic acid).

TABLE 5 % Butanethiol Actual % acetic reduction @ Sample Formulated acid in DPM 30 min. 50:50 TC:DPM 0% Acetic Acid 0.00 12.00 50:50 TC:DPM 0.05% Acetic Acid 0.04 14.65 50:50 TC:DPM 0.1% Acetic Acid 0.10 25.66 50:50 TC:DPM 0.2% Acetic Acid 0.42 34.68 50:50 TC:DPM 0.5% Acetic Acid 1.00 24.79 50:50 TC:DPM 1.0% Acetic Acid 2.00 7.26

The malodor control component may have a pH from about 3 to about 8, alternatively from about 4 to about 7, alternatively from about, alternatively from about 4 to about 6.

6. Optional Ingredients

The malodor control component may, optionally, include odor masking agents, and/or odor blocking agents. “Odor blocking” refers to the ability of a compound to dull the human sense of smell. “Odor-masking” refers to the ability of a compound to mask or hide a malodorous compound. Odor-masking may include a compound with a non-offensive or pleasant smell that is dosed such that it limits the ability to sense a malodorous compound. Odor-masking may involve the selection of compounds which coordinate with an anticipated malodor to change the perception of the overall scent provided by the combination of odorous compounds.

The malodor control component may also, optionally, include perfume raw materials that solely provide a hedonic benefit (i.e. that do not neutralize malodors yet provide a pleasant fragrance). Suitable perfumes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,135, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference.

For example, the malodor control component may include a mixture of volatile aldehydes for neutralizing a malodor, perfume ionones, and a diluent. Alternatively, the malodor control component may include 100% volatile aldehydes.

C. Buffering Agent

The freshening composition of the present invention includes a buffering agent which may be a dibasic acid, carboxylic acid, or a dicarboxylic acid like maleic acid. The acid may be sterically stable, and used in this composition solely for maintaining the desired pH. The freshening composition may have a pH from about 3 to about 8, alternatively from about 4 to about 7, alternatively from about 5 to about 8, alternatively from about 6 to about 8, alternatively about 6 to about 7, alternatively about 7, alternatively about 6.5.

Carboxylic acids such as citric acid may act as metal ion chelants and can form metallic salts with low water solubility. As such, in some embodiments, the freshening composition is essentially free of citric acids. The buffer can be alkaline, acidic or neutral.

Other suitable buffering agents for freshening compositions of this invention include biological buffering agents. Some examples are nitrogen-containing materials, sulfonic acid buffers like 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid (MOPS) or N-(2-Acetamido)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (ACES), which have a near neutral 6.2 to 7.5 pKa and provide adequate buffering capacity at a neutral pH. Other examples are amino acids such as lysine or lower alcohol amines like mono-, di-, and tri-ethanolamine. Other nitrogen-containing buffering agents are tri(hydroxymethyl)amino methane (HOCH2)3CNH3 (TRIS),2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-amino-2-methyl-propanol, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanol, disodium glutamate, N-methyl diethanolamide, 2-dimethylamino-2-methylpropanol (DMAMP), 1,3-bis(methylamine)-cyclohexane, 1,3-diamino-propanol N,N′-tetra-methyl-1,3-diamino-2-propanol, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine (bicine) and N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl glycine (tricine). Mixtures of any of the above are also acceptable.

The freshening compositions may contain at least about 0%, alternatively at least about 0.001%, alternatively at least about 0.01%, by weight of the composition, of a buffering agent. The composition may also contain no more than about 1%, alternatively no more than about 0.75%, alternatively no more than about 0.5%, by weight of the composition, of a buffering agent.

D. Solubilizer

The freshening composition of the present invention may contain a diluent or solubilizing aid to solubilize any excess hydrophobic organic materials, particularly any perfume materials, and also optional ingredients (e.g., insect repelling agent, antioxidant, etc.) which can be added to the composition, that are not readily soluble in the composition, to form a clear solution. Exemplary solubilizing aids include such as a no-foaming or low-foaming surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary solubilizing aids also include dipropylene glycol methyl ether, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the freshening composition contains nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the freshening composition contains hydrogenated castor oil. One suitable hydrogenated castor oil that may be used in the present composition is Basophor™, available from BASF.

Compositions containing anionic surfactants and/or detergent surfactants may make fabrics susceptible to soiling and/or leave unacceptable visible stains on fabrics as the solution evaporates off of the fabric. In some embodiments, the freshening composition is free of anionic surfactants and/or detergent surfactants.

When the solubilizing agent is present, it is typically present at a level of from about 0.01% to about 3%, alternatively from about 0.05% to about 1%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 0.05%, by weight of the freshening composition. Freshening compositions with higher concentrations may make fabrics susceptible to soiling and/or leave unacceptable visible stains on fabrics as the solution evaporates off of the fabric.

E. Antimicrobial Compounds

The freshening composition of the present invention may include an effective amount of a compound for reducing microbes in the air or on inanimate surfaces. Antimicrobial compounds are effective on gram negative and gram positive bacteria and fungi typically found on indoor surfaces that have contacted human skin or pets such as couches, pillows, pet bedding, and carpets. Such microbial species include Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Steptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella choleraesuis, Escherichia coli, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Pseudomonoas aeruginosa. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial compounds are also effective on viruses such H1-N1, Rhinovirus, Respiratory Syncytial, Poliovirus Type 1, Rotavirus, Influenza A, Herpes simplex types 1 & 2, Hepatitis A, and Human Coronavirus.

Antimicrobial compounds suitable in the freshening composition of the present invention can be any organic material which will not cause damage to fabric appearance (e.g., discoloration, coloration such as yellowing, bleaching). Water-soluble antimicrobial compounds include organic sulfur compounds, halogenated compounds, cyclic organic nitrogen compounds, low molecular weight aldehydes, quaternary compounds, dehydroacetic acid, phenyl and phenoxy compounds, or mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment, a quaternary compound is used. Examples of commercially available quaternary compounds suitable for use in the freshening composition is Barquat available from Lonza Corporation; and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride quat under the trade name Bardac® 2250 from Lonza Corporation.

The antimicrobial compound may be present in an amount from about 500 ppm to about 7000 ppm, alternatively about 1000 ppm to about 5000 ppm, alternatively about 1000 ppm to about 3000 ppm, alternatively about 1400 ppm to about 2500 ppm, by weight of the freshening composition.

F. Preservatives

The freshening composition of the present invention may include a preservative. The preservative is included in the present invention in an amount sufficient to prevent spoilage or prevent growth of inadvertently added microorganisms for a specific period of time, but not sufficient enough to contribute to the odor neutralizing performance of the freshening composition. In other words, the preservative is not being used as the antimicrobial compound to kill microorganisms on the surface onto which the composition is deposited in order to eliminate odors produced by microorganisms. Instead, it is being used to prevent spoilage of the freshening composition in order to increase the shelf-life of the composition.

The preservative can be any organic preservative material which will not cause damage to fabric appearance, e.g., discoloration, coloration, bleaching. Suitable water-soluble preservatives include organic sulfur compounds, halogenated compounds, cyclic organic nitrogen compounds, low molecular weight aldehydes, parabens, propane diaol materials, isothiazolinones, quaternary compounds, benzoates, low molecular weight alcohols, dehydroacetic acid, phenyl and phenoxy compounds, or mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of commercially available water-soluble preservatives for use in the present invention include a mixture of about 77% 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and about 23% 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, a broad spectrum preservative available as a 1.5% aqueous solution under the trade name Kathon® CG by Rohm and Haas Co.; 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, available under the tradename Bronidox L® from Henkel; 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, available under the trade name Bronopol® from Inolex; 1,1′-hexamethylene bis(5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide), commonly known as chlorhexidine, and its salts, e.g., with acetic and digluconic acids; a 95:5 mixture of 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione and 3-butyl-2-iodopropynyl carbamate, available under the trade name Glydant Plus® from Lonza; N-[1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl]-N,N′-bis(hydroxy-methyl)urea, commonly known as diazolidinyl urea, available under the trade name Germall® II from Sutton Laboratories, Inc.; N,N″-methylenebis{N′-[1-(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl]urea}, commonly known as imidazolidinyl urea, available, e.g., under the trade name Abiol® from 3V-Sigma, Unicide U-13® from Induchem, Germall 115® from Sutton Laboratories, Inc.; polymethoxy bicyclic oxazolidine, available under the trade name Nuosept® C from Hüls America; formaldehyde; glutaraldehyde; polyaminopropyl biguanide, available under the trade name Cosmocil CQ® from ICI Americas, Inc., or under the trade name Mikrokill® from Brooks, Inc; dehydroacetic acid; and benzsiothiazolinone available under the trade name Koralone™ B-119 from Rohm and Hass Corporation.

Suitable levels of preservative are from about 0.0001% to about 0.5%, alternatively from about 0.0002% to about 0.2%, alternatively from about 0.0003% to about 0.1%, by weight of the freshening composition.

G. Wetting Agent

The freshening composition may include a wetting agent that provides a low surface tension that permits the composition to spread readily and more uniformly on hydrophobic surfaces like polyester and nylon. It has been found that the aqueous solution, without such a wetting agent will not spread satisfactorily. The spreading of the composition also allows it to dry faster, so that the treated material is ready to use sooner. Furthermore, a composition containing a wetting agent may penetrate hydrophobic, oily soil better for improved malodor neutralization. A composition containing a wetting agent may also provide improved “in-wear” electrostatic control. For concentrated compositions, the wetting agent facilitates the dispersion of many actives such as antimicrobial actives and perfumes in the concentrated aqueous compositions.

Nonlimiting examples of wetting agents include block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Suitable block polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene polymeric surfactants include those based on ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane and ethylenediamine as the initial reactive hydrogen compound. Polymeric compounds made from a sequential ethoxylation and propoxylation of initial compounds with a single reactive hydrogen atom, such as C₁₂₋₁₈ aliphatic alcohols, are not generally compatible with the cyclodextrin. Certain of the block polymer surfactant compounds designated Pluronic® and Tetronic® by the BASF-Wyandotte Corp., Wyandotte, Mich., are readily available.

Nonlimiting examples of cyclodextrin-compatible wetting agents of this type are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,137 and include the Silwet® surfactants available from Momentive Performance Chemical, Albany, N.Y. Exemplary Silwet surfactants are as follows:

Name Average MW L-7608   600 L-7607 1,000 L-77   600 L-7605 6,000 L-7604 4,000 L-7600 4,000 L-7657 5,000 L-7602  3,000; and mixtures thereof.

H. Aqueous Carrier

The freshening composition of the present invention may include an aqueous carrier. The aqueous carrier which is used may be distilled, deionized, or tap water. Water may be present in any amount for the composition to be an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, water may be present in an amount of about 85% to 99.5%, alternatively about 90% to about 99.5%, alternatively about 92% to about 99.5%, alternatively about 95%, by weight of said freshening composition. Water containing a small amount of low molecular weight monohydric alcohols, e.g., ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol, or polyols, such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, can also be useful. However, the volatile low molecular weight monohydric alcohols such as ethanol and/or isopropanol should be limited since these volatile organic compounds will contribute both to flammability problems and environmental pollution problems. If small amounts of low molecular weight monohydric alcohols are present in the composition of the present invention due to the addition of these alcohols to such things as perfumes and as stabilizers for some preservatives, the level of monohydric alcohol may be less than about 6%, alternatively less than about 3%, alternatively less than about 1%, by weight of the freshening composition.

I. Other Optional Ingredients

Adjuvants can be optionally added to the freshening composition herein for their known purposes. Such adjuvants include, but are not limited to, water soluble metallic salts, antistatic agents, insect and moth repelling agents, colorants, antioxidants, and mixtures thereof.

II. Method of Making

The freshening composition can be made in any suitable manner known in the art. All of the ingredients can simply be mixed together. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to make a concentrated mixture of ingredients and dilute by adding the same to an aqueous carrier before dispersing the composition into the air or on an inanimate surface. In another embodiment, the malodor binding polymer may be dispersed in one vessel containing deionized water and ethanol, and low molecular polyols. To this vessel, then, the buffer is added until fully dispersed and visually dissolved. In a separate vessel, the solubilizer and perfume are mixed until homogenous. The solution of solubilizer and perfume are then added to the first mixing vessel, and mixed until homogenous.

III. Methods of Use

The freshening composition of the present invention can be used by dispersing, e.g., by placing the aqueous solution into a dispensing means, such as a spray dispenser and spraying an effective amount into the air or onto the desired surface or article. An effective amount as defined herein means an amount sufficient to neutralize malodor to the point that it is not discernible by the human sense of smell yet not so much as to saturate or create a pool of liquid on an article or surface and so that, when dry, there is no visual deposit readily discernible. Dispersing can be achieved by using a spray device, a roller, a pad, etc.

The present invention encompasses the method of dispersing an effective amount of the composition for reducing malodor onto household surfaces. The household surfaces are selected from the group consisting of countertops, cabinets, walls, floors, bathroom surfaces, and kitchen surfaces.

The present invention encompasses the method of dispersing a mist of an effective amount of the composition for reducing malodor onto fabric and/or fabric articles. The fabric and/or fabric articles include, but are not limited to, clothes, curtains, drapes, upholstered furniture, carpeting, bed linens, bath linens, tablecloths, sleeping bags, tents, car interior, e.g., car carpet, fabric car seats, etc.

The present invention encompasses the method of dispersing a mist of an effective amount of the composition for reducing malodor impression onto and into shoes wherein the shoes are not sprayed to saturation.

The present invention encompasses the method of dispersing a mist of an effective amount of the composition for reducing malodor impression onto shower curtains.

The present invention relates to the method of dispersing a mist of an effective amount of the composition for reducing malodor impression onto and/or into garbage cans and/or recycling bins.

The present invention relates to the method of dispersing a mist of an effective amount of the composition for reducing malodor impression into the air to neutralize malodor.

The present invention relates to the method of dispersing a mist of an effective amount of the composition for reducing malodor impression into and/or onto major household appliances including, but not limited to, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, automatic dryers, ovens, microwave ovens, dishwashers, etc., to neutralize malodor.

The present invention relates to the method of dispersing a mist of an effective amount of the composition for reducing malodor impression onto cat litter, pet bedding and pet houses to neutralize malodor.

The present invention relates to the method of dispersing a mist of an effective amount of the composition for reducing malodor impression onto household pets to neutralize malodor.

EXAMPLES Malodor Reduction

Table 6 show non-limiting examples of freshening compositions according to the present invention.

TABLE 6 V I II III IV (Control) VI VII VIII Lupasol WF 0.070 0.070 0.015 0.035 0 0.035 0.0525 0.07 CAS 9002-98-6 Diethylene 0.175 0.175 0.070 0.175 0.175 0.175 0.170 0.175 Glycol Perfume mixture 0.2102 0.4880 0.020 0.236 0.655 0.655 0.655 0.655 comprising (0% (0.012 (0.012 (0.012 (0.012 aliphatic aldehydes) aldehydes) aldehydes) aldehydes) aldehydes) aldehydes Hydroxypropyl 0.630 0.630 0.630 0 0.630 0.630 0.630 0.630 Beta CD Basophor ELH 0 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 60 Uniquat 2250 0 0.060 0 0.060 0.060 0.060 0.060 0.060 Bardac 2250J 0.139 0.100 0 0 0 0 0 Silwet L-7600 0.100 0.100 0.175 0.100 0.100 0.100 0.100 0.100 Citric Acid 0.045 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.15 0.015 Maleic Acid 0 0.050 0.060 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 CAS 110-16-7 ACES 0.100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sodium 0 0 0 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 Hydroxide Koralone B-119 0 0.0150 0 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 Ethanol 3.000 3.000 3.000 3.000 3.000 3.000 3.000 3.000 Deionized 95.571 95.347 95.865 96.264 95.318 95.180 95.095 95.148 Water Total 100 100 100 100 100

Formulations VI, VII, and VIII in Table 6 are prepared and compared to Control Formulation V, a composition containing no malodor binding polymer, for their effect on malodor. FIG. 1 shows that when including a malodor binding polymer in a freshening composition in accordance with the present invention, aldehydic malodor evaporating off the treated fabric decreases.

Fabric samples are infused with the malodor of interest. For grease infusion, place 8 ounces of grease in a Presto™ electric skillet and cover with the skillet lid. Place the skillet in a 30 gallon metal garbage can. Run the electric cord from the skillet through a 1.5 inch hole in the garbage can. Heat the skillet to 121° C. and allow it to equilibrate for 15 minutes. Remove the lid. Suspend 8 inch by 8 inch fabric swatches from the metal clips on a carousel in the garbage can lid. Measured from the bottom of the swatches, the distance to the top of the skillet is 8 inches. Place lid on garbage can and manually turn the carousel 15 rotations per minute for a period of 40 minutes. After infusion, spray the swatches with the respective freshening compositions that are to be tested. The spray for each swatch consists of two full strokes of the trigger sprayer bottle. The bottle is held 6 inches away from the fabric and the spray is centered on the fabric.

Immediately after treatment, cut each swatch in half, roll, and place each into a 125 mL headspace vial. Seal the vials. Allow the vials to equilibrate for at least 2 hours at 100° C. and then analyze by sampling each vial using a PDMS SPME fiber and analyze by GC/MS. Malodor components, previously identified, are then tracked through all the samples. Data is compiled of total area count of the cumulative area counts of the individual peaks.

Microbe Reduction

Table 7 show non-limiting examples of freshening compositions according to the present invention.

TABLE 7 IX (Control) X Lupasol WF 0 0.07 CAS 9002-98-6 Diethylene Glycol 0.25 0.25 Perfume mixture 0.02 0.02 comprising aliphatic (0.002 aldehydes) (0.002 aldehydes) aldehydes Hydroxypropyl Beta CD 0.63 0.63 Basophor ELH 60 0.15 0.15 Uniquat 2250 0 0 Bardac 2250J 0.5 0.5 Silwet L-7600 0.1 0.1 Citric Acid 0 0 Maleic Acid 0 0 CAS 110-16-7 ACES 0.1 0.1 Sodium Hydroxide 0.006 0.006 Koralone B-119 0 0 Ethanol 3.000 3.000 Deionized Water 95.244 95.174 Total 100 100

Formulation IX, the control formulation containing no malodor binding polymer, and Formulation X are compared for their effect on microbe reduction. FIG. 2 shows the results of formulations with and without PEIs when tested for non-residual fabric sanitizer efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Aspergillus niger (ATCC 6275), Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 7002) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442).

Formulation efficacy was assessed by employing a North American Bactericidal Fabric Spray Test Method that is a quantitative modification of the AOAC Germicidal Spray Products Test method (961.02). This method is a recognized test standard in accordance to U.S. EPA Pesticide Assessment Guidelines Subdivision G, Series 91-52(b)(1). The referenced AOAC method was applied to fabric surfaces. Fabric swatches (1.5 inch, 100% blue oxford cotton) as can be obtained from Testfabrics Inc. were treated with 2 fully depressed sprays of trigger sprayer bottle containing the respective formulation. A contact time between 10 to 30 minutes at ambient temperature was chosen as a conservative time estimate for sprayed fabric surfaces, as provided in Subdivision G, Series 91-1 (b) (4) (i). Any excess liquid is drained off and then transferred to a jar containing 20 ml neutralizer and/or growth promoting broth. The jar is mixed by vortexing, followed by sonication in a Branson Bransonic Ultrasonic Sonicator for 5 minutes. Within 30 minutes of neutralization, the jar is mixed for 2-3 seconds on a vortex type mixer and serially diluted. All the samples were incubated (48±4 hours) under the appropriate conditions and monitored for growth or no growth. Samples are plated and counted to determine mean log 10 reduction.

Effect of Volatile Aldehydes on Amine-Based and Sulfur-Based Malodors

Malodor standards are prepared by pipeting 1 mL of butylamine (amine-based malodor) and butanethiol (sulfur-based malodor) into a 1.2 liter gas sampling bag. The bag is then filled to volume with nitrogen and allowed to sit for at least 12 hours to equilibrate.

A 1 μL sample of each volatile aldehyde listed in Table 6 and each Accord (A, B, and C) listed in Tables 1 to 3 is pipeted into individual 10 mL silanized headspace vials. The vials are sealed and allowed to equilibrate for at least 12 hours. Repeat 4 times for each sample (2 for butylamine analysis and 2 for butanethiol analysis).

After the equilibration period, 1.5 mL of the target malodor standard is injected into each vial containing a volatile aldehyde or Accord sample. For thiol analysis, the samples are held at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to injection into the system. A 1 mL headspace syringe is used to inject 250 μL of each sample into the system for the thiol samples. For amine analysis, the samples are injected immediately into the system after the malodor is introduced. A 1 mL headspace syringe is used to inject 500 μL of each sample into the system for the amine samples. A GC pillow is used for the amine analysis to shorten the run times. Samples are then analyzed using a GC/MS with a DB-5, 20 m, 1 μm film thickness column with an MPS-2 autosampler equipment with static headspace function. Data is analyzed by ion extraction on each total ion current current (56 for thiol-30 for amine) and the area is used to calculate the percent reduction from the malodor standard for each sample.

Table 8 shows the effect of certain volatile aldehydes on neutralizing amine-based and sulfur based malodors at 40 seconds and 30 minutes, respectively.

TABLE 8 At least 20% At least 20% butylamine butanethiol reduction at 40 reduction at 30 Perfume Raw Material (R—CHO) seconds? minutes? 2,4,5 Trimethoxy Benzaldehyde No No 2,4,6-Trimethoxy-benzylaldehyde No No 2-ethoxy benzylaldehyde Yes Yes 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal Yes Yes 2-methyl-3-(2-furyl)-propenal No No 3,4,5 Trimethoxy Benzaldehyde No No 3,4-Trimethoxy-benzylaldehyde No No 4-tertbutyl benzylaldehyde Yes No 5-methyl furfural Yes Yes 5-methyl-thiophene-carboxaldehyde No Yes Adoxal Yes No Amyl cinnamic aldehyde No No Benzylaldehyde Yes No Bourgenal No Yes Cinnamic aldehyde Yes Yes Citronelyl Oxyacetaldehyde No No Cymal Yes No Decyl aldehyde Yes No Floral Super Yes Yes Florhydral Yes Yes Floralozone No No Helional Yes No Hydroxycitronellal No No Lauric aldehyde Yes No Ligustral Yes No Lyral Yes No Melonal Yes No Methyl nonyl acetaldehyde No No o-anisaldehyde Yes Yes p-anisaldehyde Yes No Pino acetaldehyde Yes Yes P.T. Bucinal Yes No Thiophene Carboxaldehyde Yes No Trans-4-decenal Yes Yes Trans Trans 2,4-Nonadienal Yes No Undecyl aldehyde Yes No

Table 9 shows the percent reduction of butylamine and butaniethiol at 40 seconds and 30 minutes, respectively, for Accords A, B, and C.

TABLE 9 % reduction % reduction of butylamine of butanethiol Accord at 40 sec. at 30 min. Accord A 76.58 25.22 Accord B 51.54 35.38 Accord C 65.34 24.98

Sensory Test—Effect of Volatile Aldehydes on a Sulfur-Based Malodor

Place Presto™ skillet into fume hood and turn on to 250° F. Place 80 grams of Crisco® oil into skillet and cover with skillet lid. Allow 10 minutes for equilibration. Remove skillet lid and check oil temperature with thermometer. Place 50 grams of chopped, commercially prepared garlic in water into skillet. Cover skillet with lid. Cook for 2.5 minutes or until garlic is translucent, with a portion staring to turn brown but not burn. Remove garlic from the skillet. Place 5 grams of garlic in each of 4 Petri dishes. Place covers on each Petri dish.

Place each covered Petri dish into individual test chambers. Each test chamber is 39.25 inches wide, by 25 inches deep, by 21.5 inches high with a volume of 12.2 cubic feet (0.34 cubic meters). The test chamber can be purchased from Electro-Tech Systems, Glenside, Pa. Each test chamber is equipped with a fan (Newark catalog #701(9932, 115 VAC, 90CFM) purchased from Newark Electronics, Chicago, Ill.

Remove the lids of the Petri dishes to expose the malodor for a dwell time sufficient to provide an initial odor intensity grade of 70-80 (about 1 minute). Once the initial odor intensity grade has been reached in a test chamber, remove the Petri dish from the test chamber.

Next, 3 Noticeables® air freshening devices, marketed by P&G, are each filled with the Control composition shown in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Material Name Wt % Benzaldehyde 0.150 Floralozone 0.097 Helional 1.455 Hydroxycitronellal 3.880 Ligustral Or Triplal 1.028 Esters 12.950 Ethers 50.190 Ketones 3.010 Lactones 0.490 Alcohols 21.610 Terpenes 5.140 The devices are set to the low intensity position and plugged into 3 of the 4 test chambers. All doors on chamber are closed.

At 5, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, trained evaluators open each chamber, smell the chamber for malodor intensity, and assign a malodor score, based on the scale in Table 11. The chamber door is closed but not locked between sequential evaluators. The scores are tabulated and the average score for each time interval is recorded.

TABLE 11 Expert Sensory Grader Malodor Evaluation Scale Score Description corresponding to Score 0 No malodor present 10 Very slight malodor - “I think there is a malodor present” 20 Slight malodor - “I detect something but cannot identify specific malodor 25 Slight malodor 50 Moderate 75 Strong Malodor 100 Extremely Strong Malodor

The above protocol is repeated using Prototype I shown in Table 12 (instead of Control composition) in the 3 Noticeables air freshening devices.

TABLE 12 Material Name Wt. % Benzaldehyde 0.135 Floralozone 0.087 Helional 1.310 Hydroxycitronellal 3.492 Ligustral Or Triplal 0.925 o-anisaldehyde 2.500 Intreleven Aldehyde 0.500 Florhydral 1.000 Floral Super 2.500 Scentenal 1.000 Cymal 2.500 Esters 11.662 Ethers 45.171 ketones 2.705 lactones 0.437 Alcohols 19.446 Terpenes 4.632

The above protocol is repeated using Prototype 2 shown in Table 13 in the 3 Noticeables® air freshening devices.

TABLE 13 Material Name Wt. % Benzaldehyde 0.135 Floralozone 0.087 Helional 1.310 Hydroxycitronellal 3.492 Ligustral Or Triplal 0.925 o-anisaldehyde 2.250 Intreleven Aldehyde 0.450 Florhydral 0.900 Floral Super 2.250 Scentenal 0.900 Cymal 2.250 5-Methyl Thiophene Carboxaldehyde 1.000 Esters 11.662 Ethers 45.171 Ketones 2.705 Lactones 0.437 Alcohols 19.446 Terpenes 4.632

FIG. 3 shows that the formulation having 10% of the malodor control composition of the present invention reduces the garlic malodor more than the Control composition that lacks such malodor control composition.

Sensory Test—Effect of Volatile Aldehydes on an Amine-Based Malodor

Separate fresh ocean perch fillets from skin and add to a Magic Bullet™ food chopper. Fish meat is chopped for 35-40 seconds. 25 grams of chopped fish is weighed and fashioned into a patty suitable to fit into a 60×15 mm Petri dish. Repeat 3 more times so there is one fish patty in each of 4 Petri dishes. Add 40 g of Crisco® oil to Presto™ skillet. Place lid on skillet and turn on to 350° F. Allow 10 minutes for equilibration. Remove lid. Cut a slit in the middle of each patty, place 1 patty into skillet, and begin frying. Replace lid. After 2.5 minutes, flip fish patty and fry an additional 2.5 minutes. Remove fish patty from skillet and blot briefly onto a paper towel for 10 seconds. Fry the remaining 3 patties in the same manner. Place each fish patty into a 60×15 mm Petri dish and cover with a lid.

Introduce each Petri dish containing a fish patty into individual test chambers. The specifications of the test chamber are the same as those in the above sulfur-based (i.e. garlic) malodor test. Remove the lids to expose the malodor for a dwell time sufficient for providing an initial odor intensity grade of 70-80 (about 1 minute). Once the initial odor intensity grade has been reached in a test chamber, remove the Petri dish from the test chamber.

Next, 3 Noticeables® air freshening devices, marketed by P&G, are each filled with the Control composition outlined in Table 10. The devices are set to the low intensity position and plugged into 3 of the 4 test chambers. All doors on chamber are closed.

At 5, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, trained evaluators open each chamber, smell the chamber for malodor intensity, and assign a malodor score, based on the scale in Table 9. The chamber door is closed but not locked between sequential evaluators. The scores are tabulated and the average score for each time interval is recorded.

The above protocol is repeated using Prototype I shown in Table 10 (instead of Control composition) in the 3 Noticeables® air freshening devices. The above protocol is also repeated using Prototype 2 shown in Table 11 in the 3 Noticeables® air freshening devices.

FIG. 4 shows that the formulation having 10% of the malodor control composition of the present invention reduces the fish malodor more than the Control that lacks such malodor control composition.

Effect of Acid Catalysts on Sulfur-Based Malodors

Malodor standards are prepared by pipeting 1 mL of butanethiol (sulfur-based malodor) into a 1.2 liter gas sampling bag. The bag is then filled to volume with nitrogen and allowed to sit for at least 12 hours to equilibrate.

A 1 μL aliquot of each of the following samples are pipeted into individual 10 mL silanized headspace vials in duplicate. The following samples were analyzed: Thiophene carboxyaldehyde as a control, and a 50/50 mixture of Thiophene Carboxaldehyde and each of the following acid catalysts, at 0.04%, at 0.10%, at 0.43% in DPM, at 1.02% in DPM, and at 2.04% in DPM, is pipeted into individual 10 mL silanized headspace vials: phenol, mesitylenic acid, caprylic acid, succinic acid, pivalic acid, tiglic acid, and benzoic acid. The vials are sealed and allowed to equilibrate for at least 12 hours.

After the equilibration period, 1.5 mL of the target malodor standard is injected into each vial containing a sample. The samples are held at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to injection. Samples are then analyzed using a GC/MS with a DB-5, 20 m, 1 μm film thickness column with an MPS-2 autosampler utilizing static headspace function. A 1 mL headspace syringe is used to inject 250 μL of each sample into the system. As with the samples, a repetition of at least 2 of the malodor standard is run according to the respective method. Data is analyzed by ion extraction on each total ion current current (56 for thiol), and the area is used to calculate the % reduction from the malodor standard for each acid catalyst sample.

FIG. 5 demonstrates that low vapor pressure acid catalysts provide up to 3 times better reduction of sulfur-based malodors in comparison to the control.

All percentages stated herein are by weight unless otherwise specified. It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

1. A freshening composition for reducing malodor comprising: an effective amount of a malodor binding polymer; a malodor control component comprising an effective amount of a mixture of two or more volatile aldehydes for neutralizing a malodor, wherein said two or more volatile aldehydes are selected from the group consisting of 2-ethoxy benzylaldehyde, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal, 5-methyl furfural, 5-methyl-thiophene-carboxaldehyde, adoxal, p-anisaldehyde, benzylaldehyde, bourgenal, cinnamic aldehyde, cymal, decyl aldehyde, floral super, florhydral, helional, lauric aldehyde, ligustral, lyral, melonal, o-anisaldehyde, pino acetaldehyde, P.T. bucinal, thiophene carboxaldehyde, trans-4-decenal, trans trans 2,4-nonadienal, undecyl aldehyde, and mixtures thereof; and an aqueous carrier.
 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein said malodor binding polymer is a polyamine having a molecular weight of at least 150 Daltons and 15% to 80% primary amino groups
 3. The composition of claim 1 wherein said malodor binding polymer is a homopolymeric polyethyleneimine having a molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 2,000,000 Daltons.
 4. The composition of claim 1 wherein said malodor binding polymer is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of said composition.
 5. The composition of claim 3 wherein said homopolymeric polyethyleneimine is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.07% by weight of said composition.
 6. The composition of claim 1 wherein said malodor binding polymer is a homopolymeric polyethyleneimine having a molecular weight of about 25,000 Daltons.
 7. The malodor control component of claim 1 wherein said two or more volatile aldehydes are selected from the group consisting of 2-ethoxy benzylaldehyde, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal, 5-methyl furfural, cinnamic aldehyde, floral super, florhydral, o-anisaldehyde, pino acetaldehyde, trans-4-decenal, and mixtures thereof.
 8. The malodor control component of claim 1 wherein said two or more volatile aldehydes comprise flor super and o-anisaldehyde.
 9. The malodor control component of claim 1 wherein said two or more volatile aldehydes have a VP from about 0.001 torr to about 0.100 torr.
 10. The malodor control component of claim 1 wherein said two or more volatile aldehydes comprise a mixture of volatile aldehydes selected from the group consisting of: Accord A, Accord B, Accord C, and mixtures thereof.
 11. The malodor control component of claim 1 wherein said two or more volatile aldehydes comprise a mixture of volatile aldehydes comprising about 1% to about 10% of Accord A, by weight of said malodor control component.
 12. The composition of claim 1 wherein said malodor control component further comprises about 0.001% to about 1% of an aliphatic aldehyde by total weight of said composition.
 13. The composition of claim 1 wherein said composition further comprises a buffering agent selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, dicarboxcylic acid, N-(2-Acetamido)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, and mixtures thereof.
 14. The composition of claim 1 wherein said composition further comprises maleic acid.
 15. The composition of claim 1 wherein said composition comprises a pH of about 5 to
 8. 16. The composition of claim 1 wherein said composition is free of anionic surfactants.
 17. The composition of claim 1 wherein said composition comprises no more than 3% surfactant by weight of said composition.
 18. The composition of claim 1 wherein said aqueous carrier is present in an amount of 90% to about 99.5%.
 19. A freshening composition for reducing malodor comprising: an effective amount of a malodor binding polymer; and a malodor control component comprising: at least one volatile aldehyde; and an acid catalyst having a vapor pressure of about 0.01 to about 13 at 25° C.
 20. The composition of claim 19 wherein said acid catalyst has a vapor pressure of about 0.01 to about 2 torr at 25° C.
 21. The composition of claim 19 wherein said acid catalyst is a carboxylic acid.
 22. The composition of claim 19 wherein said acid catalyst is 5-methyl thiophene carboxylic acid.
 23. The composition of claim 19 wherein said acid catalyst is present in an amount from about 0.1% to about 0.4%, by weight of said malodor control component.
 24. The composition of claim 19 wherein said acid catalyst is present in an amount of about 0.4%, by weight of said malodor control component.
 25. The composition of claim 19 wherein said at least one volatile aldehyde is a mixture of two or more volatile aldehydes selected from the group consisting of 2-ethoxy benzylaldehyde, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal, 5-methyl furfural, 5-methyl-thiophene-carboxaldehyde, adoxal, p-anisaldehyde, benzylaldehyde, bourgenal, cinnamic aldehyde, cymal, decyl aldehyde, floral super, florhydral, helional, lauric aldehyde, ligustral, lyral, melonal, o-anisaldehyde, pino acetaldehyde, P.T. bucinal, thiophene carboxaldehyde, trans-4-decenal, trans trans 2,4-nonadienal, undecyl aldehyde, and mixtures thereof.
 26. The composition of claim 19 wherein said a malodor binding polymer is a homopolymeric polyethyleneimine present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.07%, by weight of said composition.
 27. The composition of claim 19 wherein said malodor binding polymer is a homopolymeric polyethyleneimine having a molecular weight of about 25,000 Daltons.
 28. A method of reducing malodor comprising the steps of: a. providing the freshening composition of claim 1; b. dispersing an effective amount of said freshening composition on an inanimate surface or in the air.
 29. A method of neutralizing malodor comprising the step of: a. providing the freshening composition of claim 19; b. dispersing an effective amount of said freshening composition on an inanimate surface of in the air. 